Offline solutions for agricultural extension: Integrating digital libraries into train-the-trainer programs
Training agricultural extension workers to educate rural farmers on conservation agriculture (CA) techniques is a significant challenge, especially in areas with limited access to the internet. This article evaluates the effectiveness of a train-the-trainer (TTT) approach that integrates an offline...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Advancements in Agricultural Development Inc
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Advancements in Agricultural Development |
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| Online Access: | https://agdevresearch.org/index.php/aad/article/view/547 |
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| author | Laura Hosman Rachel Nova |
| author_facet | Laura Hosman Rachel Nova |
| author_sort | Laura Hosman |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Training agricultural extension workers to educate rural farmers on conservation agriculture (CA) techniques is a significant challenge, especially in areas with limited access to the internet. This article evaluates the effectiveness of a train-the-trainer (TTT) approach that integrates an offline digital library and competency-based training to address both the information and skills needs of extension agents in Rwanda. Using Harper et al.'s (2024) TTT framework, the study assesses a TTT workshop conducted with agriculture extension interns, focusing on their ability to train farmers in CA practices. The training combined access to SolarSPELL, a portable offline library, with interactive learning experiences to enhance both technical and interpersonal skills. Post-training survey results indicate that participants found the digital library highly beneficial in overcoming information access challenges, while the competency training equipped them with essential skills for their roles. The findings suggest that integrating digital tools into TTT programs, particularly in rural offline settings, can enhance knowledge dissemination and improve the efficacy of agriculture training programs. The article explores the implications for broader adoption of this approach in other regions and agricultural sectors.
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| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-11a38befaa4a4e6897de44b111f819ef |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2690-5078 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Advancements in Agricultural Development Inc |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Advancements in Agricultural Development |
| spelling | doaj-art-11a38befaa4a4e6897de44b111f819ef2025-01-09T14:54:57ZengAdvancements in Agricultural Development IncAdvancements in Agricultural Development2690-50782025-01-016110.37433/aad.v6i1.547Offline solutions for agricultural extension: Integrating digital libraries into train-the-trainer programsLaura Hosman0Rachel Nova1Arizona State University, USAArizona State University, USATraining agricultural extension workers to educate rural farmers on conservation agriculture (CA) techniques is a significant challenge, especially in areas with limited access to the internet. This article evaluates the effectiveness of a train-the-trainer (TTT) approach that integrates an offline digital library and competency-based training to address both the information and skills needs of extension agents in Rwanda. Using Harper et al.'s (2024) TTT framework, the study assesses a TTT workshop conducted with agriculture extension interns, focusing on their ability to train farmers in CA practices. The training combined access to SolarSPELL, a portable offline library, with interactive learning experiences to enhance both technical and interpersonal skills. Post-training survey results indicate that participants found the digital library highly beneficial in overcoming information access challenges, while the competency training equipped them with essential skills for their roles. The findings suggest that integrating digital tools into TTT programs, particularly in rural offline settings, can enhance knowledge dissemination and improve the efficacy of agriculture training programs. The article explores the implications for broader adoption of this approach in other regions and agricultural sectors. https://agdevresearch.org/index.php/aad/article/view/547conservation agriculturerural farminginformation accessdigital literacySDG 4: Quality Education |
| spellingShingle | Laura Hosman Rachel Nova Offline solutions for agricultural extension: Integrating digital libraries into train-the-trainer programs Advancements in Agricultural Development conservation agriculture rural farming information access digital literacy SDG 4: Quality Education |
| title | Offline solutions for agricultural extension: Integrating digital libraries into train-the-trainer programs |
| title_full | Offline solutions for agricultural extension: Integrating digital libraries into train-the-trainer programs |
| title_fullStr | Offline solutions for agricultural extension: Integrating digital libraries into train-the-trainer programs |
| title_full_unstemmed | Offline solutions for agricultural extension: Integrating digital libraries into train-the-trainer programs |
| title_short | Offline solutions for agricultural extension: Integrating digital libraries into train-the-trainer programs |
| title_sort | offline solutions for agricultural extension integrating digital libraries into train the trainer programs |
| topic | conservation agriculture rural farming information access digital literacy SDG 4: Quality Education |
| url | https://agdevresearch.org/index.php/aad/article/view/547 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT laurahosman offlinesolutionsforagriculturalextensionintegratingdigitallibrariesintotrainthetrainerprograms AT rachelnova offlinesolutionsforagriculturalextensionintegratingdigitallibrariesintotrainthetrainerprograms |